Potato industry officials in the US are touting the health benefits of three colorful new varieties developed by the Tri-State Potato Research and Breeding Program.

Huckleberry gold is a fresh potato with purple skin and waxy, yellow flesh, Terra Rosa has rose-colored skin and flesh and another variety soon to be released, A99331-2RY, has red-and-yellow speckled skin and yellow flesh.

A limited seed supply of all three varieties is available through the Potato Variety Management Institute, reported Capital Press.

PVMI Executive Director Jeanne Debons said a major fresh-pack facility has expressed interest in Huckleberry Gold, which is popular for its taste and produces moderate yields. Compared with Yukon Gold, Huckleberry Gold is lower in vitamin C and sucrose but higher in antioxidants.

"There's a smaller market for fresh, colored potatoes, but the consumer is more and more interested. They've heard about the antioxidant effects," Debons said.

Terra Rosa, a midseason specialty potato, is well-suited for both frying and baking and retains its rosy color, she said.

"You can do a lot with color, and that's what gourmet chefs like," Debons said.

Visit www.pvmi.org for more information.